‘Shop as normal’: Coles investigates cyber attack

Kaaren Morrissey |

Coles is investigating a cyber security incident.
Coles is investigating a cyber security incident.

Australia’s second-biggest retailer has been targeted in a cyberattack, but it’s still too early to tell whether any of its data has been stolen or compromised.

Coles revealed the threat on Monday morning, saying it was investigating the incident with support from the Australian Cyber Security Centre and global security experts.

“We have not identified any evidence that customer, team or supplier data has been compromised or removed from Coles’ systems,” Coles said in a statement to the stock exchange.

“Operations continue and customers are able to shop as normal with Coles in stores and online.”

Coles shopping trolleys
Coles recommended customers use a strong, unique password for their accounts. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Coles apologised to its customers for any concerns they might have at “a time of increasing cyber incidents in Australia and around the world”.

“We have security measures in place to protect customer and supplier accounts and are continuing to closely monitor our system,” it said. 

“We recommend you regularly update your password with a strong, unique password for your account and not reuse the same password across multiple services.”

Coles also warned customers to be cautious if they receive unexpected emails or SMS messages purporting to be from it and not to click any links.

AAP